Looking to get into helis...any thoughts on the raptor .30 vs. Hawk Sport?

The Raptor is a much better heli then the Hawk. The Raptor is a 3D heli right out of the box. From what I have read, the Hawk will do 3D but it need some upgrades first. You won't have to worry about 3D when you are learning to fly, but you will when you advance with your flying and the Raptor will be ready. With the Hawk you will have to buy upgrades, and who wants to do that. The Hawk will get you in the air, but that's about it. The Hawk is a little cheaper ($$$), but you will spend the difference on upgrades and probably even more. Everyone has there own opinion and this is mine [8D].

Now how about the raptor 30 vs the 50?

The 50 is more expensive but typically saves you money in the long run.

The 30 sized are a lot of fun, but they do come with a pretty lowsy muffler, and only the most basic parts; wood blades, plastic swash.... also the engines are a bit more finicky for tuning so some days you can spend more time tweeking than flying it.

The 50 typically comes decked out with all the goodies for only about 100$ more, carbon blades (save them for later though) great muffler, metal swash, carbon frame brace. the extra power comes in handy even for a beginner, it provides flyable power even when running extreemly rich so there is virtually no risk of over heating and it will at least fly at just about any setting. there are a lot of new things to learn when starting helis, not having to deal with a finicky engine sure makes it a lot easier.

I started wth the TT39, it was a blast, but it did require a lot of tweeking and got out grown in only 3 months. i upgraded it to a 50, but it was suprizingly expensive upgrade, and i still didn't get he carbon baldes or other goodies, better to buy as a kit.

The 50 is a big boost in power, i am already shopping for a 90 (more power is great!) , but i am quite sure a 50 will be in my trunk every saturday morning for a long time yet.

Charlie,

There are a good number of Hawks locally that I have set up to do 3D "right out iof the box". And between it and its Hawk IV predecessor, some have been beating them through 3D for a number of summers now. P.S. I have also done the same for fellas with Raptors.

Of the two, I recommend the Hawk Sport to newbies for a variety of reasons. See my comments in my post in answer to "Help please!!! Heli choice for beginner.